Ford's new Fathom electric pickup could make it considerably cheaper for drivers to charge their cars or even power their homes during an outage.
By putting an inverter inside the truck, the automaker says it can cut the cost of required home backup equipment by 60% before installation.
Here's what to know
On Oct. 27, the automaker announced that the $28,350 Fathom will have bidirectional charging capabilities, meaning it could power a home during an outage, according to Canary Media.
To draw power from the Fathom, the truck will switch from battery-supplied direct current to alternating current.
According to Ford's website, "When your home is properly equipped, Fathom can help power it when energy rates are high, potentially lowering your monthly electric costs. It can also help keep your home's essentials (such as lights, fridge, and Wi-Fi) running during a power outage."
Ford says the Fathom-compatible AC bidirectional charger will cost about half as much as its $1,300 Ford Charge Station Pro, according to Canary Media, putting the anticipated price at about $650. However, the home power management technology still lacks a finalized price.
An external DC-to-AC conversion equipment used by many systems costs anywhere from slightly below $7,000 to above $10,000, per the report, creating a major financial hurdle for customers seeking backup power. This means Fathom is a cheaper alternative for those interested in bidirectional charging.
Interest in this technology has been rising sharply over the past decade, as battery storage can protect your home during outages and provide more energy independence. Beyond the vehicle-based approach Ford is developing, home battery storage can also help households save money on energy by giving them greater control over their electricity use.
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Homeowners can use EnergySage to explore home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates. EnergySage has teamed up with electrification brand Qmerit to help homeowners get the best price on home battery storage solutions.
For households exploring stationary alternatives, Pila offers strong battery backup options. Pila's plug-and-play batteries cost a fraction of a whole-home backup system, letting homeowners power individual appliances like refrigerators.
Where can I learn more?
These stories also cover bidirectional charging.
• A Texas F-150 Lightning owner considering a $350 backup battery heard their truck could work instead.
• Australian EV owners could skip a $10,000 charger with a device using existing solar.
• In California, researchers are testing EVs that power homes during outages and reduce peak-hour bills.
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